How to Wear a Colorful Polka Dot Blouse to Look Chic, not Clownish
Polka Dots! Bright, colorful polka dots…They’re for kids and circus clowns…right? Often, they are, but when I came across this cute, multi-colored polka dot blouse from Banana Republic, I had a change of heart. Here’s what makes this colorful polka dot top unique and how I made it work for me.
Polka dot clothes have been around forever, and I have owned my fair share; however, in the last couple of years, there have been some interesting changes in the size, color, and types of dots available. ( You can read more about how polka dots have been reimagined here.)
As a result, polka dot pieces look quite chic on women over 40, 50, and beyond. So, I would say that if you’re looking to buy something in a polka dot print, like this blouse I just bought, keep these things in mind to look chic and not clownish.
1. Choose Dots in Sophisticated Colors
When most of us think of colorful polka dot prints, we think of bright red, yellow, and blue polka dots against a stark white background – you know, birthday party dots and yes, a top like this would seem rather juvenile, but the pretty blouse I bought is a mixture of light blue, soft pink and white. The dark black background also helps give this colorful dotted blouse a more chic look.
2. Choose Smaller Dots
Small to medium dots are easier to wear than large dots because they are quieter and more sophisticated. This doesn’t mean that large dots are out of the question, but they are much trickier to wear without looking ridiculously loud or overwhelming your frame. Large dots on a petite woman will make her look like she is drowning in dots, and a large woman will appear even larger, believe it or not.
3. Choose Dots in a Random or Unique Pattern
Another thing that makes this colorful, dotted blouse work for me is the unique way the dots are arranged. They are closely grouped, with some forming clusters and others even overlapping. So the dots feel more artsy and mature, as opposed to cutesy and junior.
4. Choose Dotted Clothing with a Simple Silhouette
Fussy polka dot pieces with ruffles, pockets, pleats, and other standout details can look wild. And what if the dots are colorful? One of the things that sold me on my polka dot blouse is that it is very sleek and clean-lined. This style of the top makes the polka dot print feel modern and fresh.
5. Wear Your Dots with Black or White
Black always looks sophisticated and chic, so I chose to wear all black to anchor this top and make the dots really stand out. It almost looks like The Milky Way! I prefer this all-black look over one-color pants and another color sweater because it gets too busy looking with all those colored dots. It’s not that this other way is wrong, but wearing all black with this dotted top is just more sophisticated-looking.
6. Quality, Minimalist Accessories
I could have worn a chunky, colorful statement necklace, wild earrings, or loads of arm candy with this blouse, but why? The dots are playful and eye-catching enough, so I wanted to keep my jewelry fine and elegant. It’s a personal choice, but it works for me. Even my bag is of high quality, non-fussy, with clean lines. It’s the same with my shoes.
This colorful polka-dotted blouse is sold out, but you can find a similar polka-dot top here.
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